The Lakers' maneuvering may not be over yet.

According to NBA reporter Jake Weinbach, the Lakers have inquired about the Blazers' center, Lowe, in an effort to further strengthen their interior depth, but it's unclear whether the Trail Blazers are currently listening to offers.

The reporter also stated that the Lakers' offer could include Knecht, Kleber, and a 2032 second-round pick.

It should be noted that this isn't the first time a trade proposal involving Lowe has surfaced between the Lakers and the Trail Blazers. Previously, US media outlet NBA Analysis simulated a potential trade, but back then the Lakers offered Knecht (why you again?), Vincent, and a 2032 second-round pick.

Furthermore, according to Fadeaway World senior writer Eddie Bitar, sources revealed that the Lakers are currently the leading frontrunner for Lowe's next team, surpassing teams like the Warriors, Celtics, and Bucks. The Lakers also consider him their top trade target.

On a well-known American "math" website, the Lakers currently rank first in Lowe's odds of moving to a new team (+185), followed by the Warriors (+255), the Bucks (+375), and the Celtics (+475).

Lowe joining the Lakers? Objectively speaking, it's not impossible.

First, for the Lakers, despite acquiring Ayton and Hayes, their interior defense remains a problem. Lowe is not only a capable shooter, but he was also a second-team All-Defensive selection three years ago.

In his second-team All-Defensive season, Lowe helped the Celtics reach the Finals, where he blocked 17 shots. His rim protection even garnered praise from Curry, who once described him as "the reason the Celtics' defense is so good. No matter where you were the last second, he's always there."

Secondly, the Trail Blazers are currently in a rebuilding phase. They have Clingan and Hansen Young in the interior, the 7th pick in the 2024 and 2025 drafts, respectively, and are both key development targets.

With these two young players, Lowe's playing time is undoubtedly limited. Furthermore, considering that Lowe is under contract next season and earns $13.29 million, the Trail Blazers would certainly be happy to trade him if they could acquire a positive asset.

A few words are in order here. Most fans initially assumed that Clingen would be first center at the start of the season, Lowe second, and Young third, with the mid-to-late season seeing if Young could rise to second. However, if the Lakers actually traded for Lowe, Young would get more playing time early in the season, which would definitely be beneficial for his future development.

Finally, let's take a look at Lowe's current level.

Since being traded to the Trail Blazers in 2023, Lowe has played in just 26 games over two seasons, averaging 18 minutes, 6.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks on a 64.4% shooting percentage.

In the 2022-23 season, Lowe played in 35 games, averaging 20 minutes, 8.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks on a 74.7% shooting percentage.

Zooming in over the past four seasons, Lowe's defensive BPMs have been +3.1, +2.4, +2.9, and +3.2, respectively, with a career defensive BPM of +3.1.

Objectively speaking, when healthy, Lowe is truly excellent. He's highly efficient at catching shots, protecting the rim, and rebounding. If the Lakers acquire him, their interior defense will undoubtedly improve, and his ability to catch shots would be a perfect match for Dončić and James.

But the problem is that Lowe is simply too unhealthy. He's played in only 61 games in three years, missing an average of 60 per season. I'm afraid any team would hesitate to consider this, which is why the Trail Blazers have been reluctant to trade Lowe.

Given these factors, should the Lakers really try to acquire Lowe? Personally, I think the answer is probably no.

According to media reports, if the Lakers want Lowe, they'll have to offer Knecht and a 2032 second-round pick. Although Knecht was DNPed in last season's playoffs, he's still a rotation player capable of playing 15-20 minutes in the regular season.

If Vincent is the other player, the Lakers' gains would be even more of a loss. After all, their backcourt defense isn't strong, and relying on Smart alone probably won't solve the problem.

In fact, the best time to acquire Lowe isn't this offseason, but next February. If Lowe hasn't been traded by the Trail Blazers by then, he'll likely be bought out.

At that time, there's a good chance that Lowe will join the Lakers to increase his exposure and secure a big contract. After all, as a center who loves to shoot, who wouldn't want to team up with Dončić?

While Lowe's arrival is certainly a good thing for the Lakers, there's no need to rush now. At least they don't have to trade assets, including Knecht, for him. If they can buy him out in February, then waiting a few more months won't hurt.

As for Lowe, he was truly amazing in 2022. He blocked numerous shots in the Finals that year, even blocking a Stephen Curry floater. However, since being traded by the Celtics, his attendance rate has been abysmal. Whether or not he's with the Trail Blazers next season, hopefully, he'll at least get to play.

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